Vending machine



March 1927' w. F.-DONATHAN VENDING MACHINE Filed April 1, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 gmentoz 2 71 5207222724 7;

w. FI DONATHAN VENDING MACHINE March 1 1927. 1,619,245

File April 1., 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 gnbenio'la 71f]? Dar/aware W. F. DONATHAN VENDING MACHI NE March 1 1927. 1,619,245

File Apr l 1, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 gn'uenl ow atkozueq March 1 '1927.

W. F. DONATHAN VENDING MACH INE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 1925 gn'ucnfow WI. 307742770,

Patented Mar. 1; 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM F. DONATHAN, OF IOTEAU, OKLAHOMA, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO STEPHEN J. GRAHAM, OF TUCKERMAN, ARKANSAS.

VENDING MACHINE.

Applicationfiled April 1, 1925. Serial No. 19,876.

This invention relates to improvements in coin controlled vending machines, and has for its principal object to provide a means whereby merchandise which is ,put up in packages may be obtained by the insertion of the proper coin or coins.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a coin controlled vending machine which is particularly adapted for use in the sale of packages of cigarettes.

One of the important objects of the present invention is to provide a coin controlled vending machine which includes a plurality of aligned spaced shafts, means being associated therewith for dispensing a package of cigarettes from the machine when a pair of the spaced aligned shafts are interlocked by the insertion of a coin.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a coin controlled vending machine of the above mentioned character which also includes a means for makingchange when a coin of a higher denomination is deposited, the difference in the value of the two coins being returned to the customer simultaneous with the 'delivery of a package of cigarettes.

A further object is. to provide a coin controlled vending machine of the above mentioned character which is simple in construction, inexpensive, strong and durable, and

- further well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed. e

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification; and in which like numerals designate like parts throughout the same: Q

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the vending machine embodying my invention, with parts thereof broken away.

Figure 2 is a front elevation with parts broken away.

Figure 3 is a transverse section taken approximately on line 3-3 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is "a fragmentary detail of a plunger carrying frame showing the relation between the several cams and the frame, and also illustrating one of a coin holding compartment with the coin discharging I means associated therewith.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail of the aligned spaced shafts having the coin receiving means associated therewith.

Figure 6 is a similar view showing the aligned spaced shafts adapted for receiving a single coin.

Figure 7 is a similar view, the shaft being adapted to receive a single coin of a higher denomination.

Figure 8 is a detail perspective view partly broken away of the substantially semi-circular coin receiving channeled member.

Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view of one of the tripping cams, and

Figure 10 a fragmentary detail perspective view of one of the shafts showing the notch formed in the inner end thereof.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodimentof my invention, the numeral 1 designates generally my improved vending machine, the same comprising the hollow sup porting base 2, on the upper edge of which is formed the annular flange 3. A cylindrical glass casing 4 is supported on the upper edge of the hollow base 2. A conical top or cover 5 is provided for the upper open end of the cylindrical casing 4, and an annular flange 6 is formed on the cover and cooperates with the annular flange 3 in receiving the elongated fastening bolt 7 whereby the cover and the cylindrical casing are securely supported on the base. It is of course to be understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the particular manner in securing the casing on the ase.

Arranged spirally within the cylindrical transparent casing 4, and extending fromthe top to the bottom thereof is the magazine designated generally by the numeral 8, the same being adapted to be filled with the merchandise to be vended, in this case the same consisting of packages of cigarettes. The lower portion of the magazine extends downwardly into the hollow base 2, and is provided with a rearward extension 9 in which operates the plunger, the construction of which will hereinafter be more fully described. The forward open end of the magazine 8 communicates with the delivery chute 10, in the manner as more clearly illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. A weighted ball 11 is provided for normally forcing the packages of cigarettes downwardly in the spirally arranged magazine 8 in the manner as clearly illustrated in Figure 2.

A pair of vertically disposed supporting brackets 12 and 13 respectively are secured at their lower ends on the inner side of the hollow base 2 at diametrically opposite points, and are preferably arranged in the rear of the lower portion of the magazine 8. A shaft 14 extends between the supporting brackets 12 and 13. A frame designated by the numeral 15 is pivotally supported on the shaft 14. The frame 15 includes the vertically disposed arms or levers 16, 17, and 18 respect vely, the same terminating at their upper ends in the curved fingers 19, 20, and 21 respectively in the manner as clearly illustrated in Figure 4. The arms or levers are supported in spaced relation with respect to each other by the cross arms 22 and 23.

The cross arm 22 is formed integrally with the intermediate portion of the central arm or lever 17 and the arms or levers 16 and 18 p are pivotally connected to the respective ends of the cross arm. The arm 23 is pivotally supported intermediate its ends on the lower end of the arm or lever 17 and the outer ends of the cross arm 23 are pivotally secured to the lower ends of the outer arms or levers 16 and 18. The plunger which is adapted for slidable movement within the rearward extension 9 formed on the lower end of the magazine 8 is indicated generally at 24, and is pivotally connected to the lower end of the arm or lever 18, through the medium of the link 25. As is further illustrated in Figure 4, the intermediate arm or lever 17 is of greater length than the outer arms or levers, and the purpose of this construction will be apparent from the following description and operation of my improved vending machine. A pair of lateral extensions 26 and 27 are formed on the upper ends of the supporting brackets. The supporting bracket- 13 is further provided with an upward extension 28. Formed on the supporting brackets 12 and 13, are the inwardly extending bearing sleeves 29 and 30 respectively. A shaft 31 extends through the upper end of the bracket 12, and through the bearing sleeve 29, the outer end of the shaft extending through an opening provided therefor in the upper portion of the hollow base 2. An opcrating crank 32 is secured on the outer end of the shaft 31, and the purpose thereof will hereinafter be more fully described. A pinion is'keyed on the shaft 31 and is arranged adjacent the outer side of the supporting bracket 12. The inner end of the shaft 31 has a notch 34 formed therein.

Supported in the bearing sleeve 30 is the major portion of the shaft 35, the inner end of the shaft being also provided with a notch indicated at 36. A substantially semi-circu lar channeled coin receiving member 37 is .illustrated in Figure 5.

provided at its free ends with the sleeve portions 38 and 39 respectively. The sleeve 38 is adapted to extend over the inner portion of the shaft 31 in such a manner as to permit the coin receiving member 37 to be supported by the shaft. The sleeve 38 is further arranged on the shaft 31 as notto cover the notched inner end 34. The coin receiving member 37 is of such size as to be adapted to receive a single coin preferably of the denomination of ten cents.

A similar coin receiving member 40 is provided at its free ends with the sleeves 41 and 42 respectively. The sleeve 41 is adapted to be supported on the inner portion of the shaft 35 at a point adjacent the notched inner end 36. As the shafts 31 and 35 are arranged in alignment with each other, the sleeves 39 and 42 will also be in alignment with each other and provide a means for supporting the stub shaft 43 in alignment with the aforementioned shafts 31 and 35 re spectively. The respective ends of the stub shafts 43 are notched as illustrated at 44 and 45, the notch 44 being adapted for coopera-- tion with the notch 34 whereas the notch 45 formed in the opposite end of the stub shaft cooperates with the notch 36 formed in the inner end of the shaft 35 in the manner to be presently described. A Weight 46 is associated with the stub shaft 43 and is disposed between the adjacent ends of the sleeves 39 and 42 so as to properly function in returning the stub shaft to its normal position so that the notches 44 and 45 are disposed in a verticalplane. The coin receiving member 40 is larger than the coin receiving member 37 and is adapted to receive a five cent piece.

Normally, the aligning shafts are spaced from each other in the manner as clearly The outer end of the sleeve 41 is spaced from the inner end of the hearing sleeve 30 and the curved upper end 20 of the central arm or lever 17 is disposed adjacent this portion'of the shaft A cam 47 is secured on the shaft 35 at a point between the spaced ends of thesleeves 30 and 41 respectively, and is adapted for cooperation with the curved upper end of the lever 17.

A pair of aligning shafts 48 and 49 respectively are supported at their outer ends in the outer ends of the lateral extensions 26. The shaft 48 extends through the outer end of the lateral extension 26 formed on the supporting bracket 12, and on the outer end of this shaft is the gear 50, the same being adapted to mesh with the pinion 33. A bearing sleeve 51 extends inwardly from the lateral extension 26 formed on the supporting bracket 12, and the inner portion of the shaft- 48 extends through this hearing sleeve. The inner end of the shaft 48 is notched as illustrated at 52. The shaft 49 has its outer end supported in the bearing sleeve 53 which each other.

A coin receiving member of theconstruction identical with the coin receiving members heretofore described is adapted to be associated with the aligning shafts 48 and 49, the same being indicated by the numerah 55. ends of the coin receiving member is supported on-the inner portion of the shaft 48 while the sleeve 57 formed on the other free end of the coin receiving member 55 is disposed over the inner end portion of the shaft 49. The coin receiving member 55 is of such size as to be adapted to receive coins of the denominations, or value of twenty-five cents.

A cam 58 is secured on the intermediate portion of the shaft 49 and is adapted to cooperate with the upper curved end 19 of the arm or lever 16. An elongated finger 59 is formed integrally with the intermediate portion of the shaft 49Tand is normally disposed downwardly as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings. The purpose of this elongated finger will also hereinafter be more fully described.

A shaft 60 extends through the outer end of the lateral extension 27 formed-on the supporting bracket 12 and also through the bearing sleeve 61 which extends inwardly from said extension. A gear 62 is arranged on the outer end of the shaft 61 and meshes with the pinion 33 as illustrated in Figure 3. The inner end of the shaft 60 is notched as indicated at 63. An aligning shaft 64 extends through the outer end 'of the lateral extension 27 formed on the supporting bracket 13, and through abearing sleeve 65 which extends inwardly from said extension. The inner end of the shaft 64 is notched as indicated at 66 for cooperation with the notched inner end 63 of the shaft 60, it being understood that the inner ends of the aligning shafts 60 and 64 respectively are arranged in spaced relation.

A coin receiving member 67 similar to the aforementioned coin receiving member has the sleeve 68 formed on one of the ends thereof disposed over the inner end of the shaft 60 while the sleeve 69 formed on the other end of the coin receiving member 67 is supported on the inner end of the shaft 64. The coin receiving member 67 is of such size as to receive a coin of the denomination or value of fifty cents.

A cam 70 is formed on the intermediate portion of the shaft 64 and is adapted for cooperation with the upper curved end 21 of the arm or lever 18. As is more clearly illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings, the

The sleeve 56 formed on one of the free 'spectively.

shaft supported in the outer ends of the lateral extensions are disposed below the central shaft. A trip lever 71 is pivotally supported intermediate its ends on the upper end of the supporting bracket 13 adjacent To the outer side thereof. The upper end of the trip lever 71 is disposed rearwardly and thence upwardly to provide a finger 72. The lower end of the trip lever terminates in the forwardly disposed foot 73 and adapted for cooperation therewith is the cam 74 carried by the outer end of the shaft 64.

A plurality of coin chutes 7 5, 76, 77 and 78 respectively extend vertically with the cylindricahcasing 4, the upper ends of the coin chute extending through a suitable opening provided therefor in the top or cover 5, and the upperends of the respective coin chutes are spaced from each other in the manner more clearly illustrated in Figure 2, so that the proper coin may be inserted in the predetermined coin chute. In the present instance, the chute 75 is adapted to receive a five cent piece, the chute 76 a ten cent piece, the chute 77 a twenty-five cent piece, and the chute 78 a fifty cent piece. As is illustrated more clearly in Figure 2 of the drawings, the lower ends of the coin chute 75 and 76 terminate at a point above the coin receiving channeled members 40 and 37 re- The lower end of the chute 77 terminates at a point above the coin receiving member 55 while the lower end of the fifty cent chute 78 is disposed at a point above the coin receiving member 67'.

Supported by the extension 28 which is formed on the supporting bracket 13 are the coin containing chambers or magazines 79 and SO 'respectiVely. The chamber or magazine 79 is of such size as to be adapted to receive a number of coins of the denomination, or value of a ten cent piece whereas the chamber or magazine 80 receives twenty-five cent pieces. The lower forwardportions 0f the coin chambers or magazines are open and communicate with a coin delivery chute 81, the latter being inclined downwardly, and having its lower end extending into a discharge chute 10, as is more clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 3.

A sliding plunger 82 is arranged in the lower portion of the coin magazine 79 and any suitable means may be provided for normally holding the plunger in its rearwardmost' position. The rear end of the plunger 82 is provided with an upwardly extendmg portion 83 with which the free end of the finger 59 is adapted to cooperate. A lateral extension 84 is further formed on the rear end of the sliding plunger 82 as is clearly illustrated in Figure 3.

A sliding plunger 85 is associated with. the lower end of the coin magazine 80, and the same is of a greater length than the sliding plunger 82. An upwardly disposed 130 flange 86 is formed on the rear end of the sliding plunger 85, and as is more clearly illustrated in Figure 4, a. spring element 87 is provided for normally holding the sliding plunger 85 in its rearward most position. The outer end of the lateral extension 84 formed on the sliding plunger 82 is disposed in the path of the forward movement of the flange 86 formed on the plunger 85, and the purpose of this arrangement will also hereinafter be more fully described.

The operation of my improved cigarette vending machine may be briefly stated as follows: Presuming that the cost of a package of cigarettes is fifteen cents, a person desiring to purchase a package of cigarettes inserts a ten cent piece in the upper end of the coin chute 76, and a five cent piece in the upper end of the coin chute 7 5. The coins will by gravity move downwardly in their respective chutes, and upon being discharged therefrom will enter the respective coin receiving members. The ten cent. piece will drop into the channeled semi-circular mem ber 37 and will fit in the notches 3 1 and 44, whereby the shaft 31 will be locked with the shaft 43. The five cent piece will drop into the coin receiving member 40 and will be disposed in the notches 36 and 45, thus locking the shaft to the opposite end of the shaft 43. hen the parts are arranged as above described, the crank 32 is rotated so as to cause the interlocked aligning shafts to swing in the are of approximately one hundred and eighty degrees. The rotation of the interlocked shafts will cause the cam 47 to actuate the curved upper end 20 of the intermediate arm or lever 17 whereby the frame 15 will move forwardly on its pivot, causing the forward sliding movement of the plunger 24, and as a result effecting the discharge of the lowermost package of cigarettes in the magazine 8 outwardly therefrom into the discharge chute 10. .When the interlocked shafts have rotated in an arc of one hundred eighty degrees, the coins will drop from the coin receiving members 37 and 40 into the bottom of the hollow base 2. A stop 88 is provided on the side of the base 2 for limiting the swinging movement of the cra11ln32 in one direction, and a similar stop 89 is arranged on the opposite side of the shaft 31 for limiting the swinging movement of the crank in the other direction. A coil spring 90 is associated with the shaft 31 for returning the same to its normal position and the weight 46 will return thestub shaft to its normal position. A spring 91 is further associated with the frame 15 for returning the same to its normal position when the coins have been discharged from the coin receiving and holding members, and a package of cigarettes have been dispensed from the machine.

hen a person inserts a twenty-five cent piece in the upper end of the coin chute 77, the coin will travel downwardly in the chute, and will drop into the coin receiving member 55, at the same time fitting in the notched inner ends of the shafts 48 and 4-9 whereby the latter are interlocked or interconnected. The crank 32 is then swung upwardly and rearwardly, and through the medium of the intermeshing pinion 33 and the gear 50, the interlocked shafts 48 and 49 will be rotated and enabling the cam 58 to actuate the curved upper end 19 of the arm or lever 16 whereby the lower portion of the frame 15 will move forwardly, and as a result causing the forwardly sliding movement of the plunger 24-, thus enabling a package of cigarettes to be discharged from the lower end of the magazine 8 into the discharge chute 10. Simultaneous with the discharging of a package of cigarettes from the magazine, the finger 59 will have moved upwardly so that the free end of the finger engages the upwardly extending flange 83 formed on the rear end of the sliding plunger 82 causing the latter to move forwardly and as a result forcing a dime from the coin magazine 79 into the coin discharge or delivery chute 81 from which it is discharged into the chute 10 so that a person will have obtained a package of cigarettes and the proper change, when a coin of a higher denomination than the price of the article being dispensed is inserted in the machine.

hen a fifty cent piece is inserted in the chute 78, the same will drop into the coin receiving member 67 and will enter the notched inner ends 63 and 66 of the shafts and 64 respectively, whereby the shafts are interlocked or connected. Upon actuating the crank 32, the interlocked shafts 60 and 64 will be rotated through the medium of the pin ion 30 meshing with the gear 62, and as a result, the cam 70 which is associated with the shaft 64: will actuate the curved upper end 21 of the'arm or lever 18 causing the lower portion of the frame 15 to move forwardly, and simultaneously forcing the sliding plunger 24 forwardly whereby a package of cigarettes is discharged from the magazine 8 into the delivery chute 10. The cam 74: also carried by the shaft 64 at its out-er end will engage the foot 73 formed on the lower end of the trip lever 71 causing the latter to swing on its pivot whereby the finger 72 formed on the upper end of the trip lever will engage the upstanding flange 86 formed on the rear end of the sliding plunger 85.

The finger 72 will force the plunger forwardly, and at the same time cause the upstanding flange 86 to engage the lateral extension 84 formed on the rear portion of the plunger 82 whereby both of the plungers' will operate simultaneously to discharge a twenty-five cent piece from the coin magazine 80, and a ten cent piece from the coin magazine 79. The change will enter the coin delivery chute 81 and will be discharged into the chute 10 so that the person who has inserted a fifty cent piece in the vending machine will obtain a ackage ofcigarettes, and thirty-five cents in change. It is of course to be understood that during the rotation of the several interlocked shafts, the coins. supported in the coin receiving members associated with the shafts will be discharged into the bottom of the machine when the said shafts have completed a half of a revolution. The spring-elements, heretofore described, will return the several parts to their normal positions after each operation of the machine.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing description, that a coin controlled vendin machine has been provi ded which will at al times be positive and eflicient in its opera tion and will not in any way necessitate the services of an attendant in order to make the proper change where a person desiring to obtain merchandise which is being vended does not possess the proper coin or coins necessary to operate the machine. Furthermore the provision of a vending machine of the above mentioned character enables the several parts to be readily assembled or disassembled Without the loss of any-considerable length of time or labor. a

While I have shown and described the present vending machine for use particularly in the sale of packages of cigarettes,

it is to be understood that the machine may be used for Vending other merchandise, and I do not wish to limit myself to the particular class of goods which are to be sold.

While I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to 'be understood that various changes in the size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new is: N

1. A coin control for actuating an ejector of a vending machine comprising in combination, a pair of spaced shafts, the inner opposed ends'of said shafts being notched, a substantially semi-circular coin receiving .member freely rotatable at its respective ends on said shafts, a coin chute having its discharge end disposed above the notched inner ends of the shaft, said shafts being interlocked when a coin enters the notched inner ends of the shafts and is disposed in said coin receiving member, means operable by said shafts when the same are interlocked for actuating said ejector, means for actuating the interlocked shafts, and means for returning the coin receiving member to its normal position.

.2. A coin control for actuating an ejector for a vending machine comprising in combination, a pair of spaced shafts, the inner opposed ends thereof being notched, a substantially semi-circular coin receiving member freely rotatable at its respective ends on said shafts, a coin chute having its dischar e end disposed above the notched inner en s of said shafts, said shafts being interlocked when a coin enters the notched inner ends thereof, and is disposed in said coin receiving member, a lever associated with said ejector, a cam carried by one of said shafts and adapted for cooperation with said lever, means for actuating the shafts When the same are interlocked whereby the cam will operate the lever and said ejector, and means for returning the coin receiving member to its normal position.

3. A coin control for actuating the ejector of a vending machine comprising in combination, a plurality of pairs of spaced shafts, the inner opposed ends of each pair a being notched, a coin receiving member of" disposed in the notched ends of each pair.

of shafts and received in the coin receiving member provided therefor, means for'operatively connecting the pairs of shafts together, means for manually rotating the shafts when the same are interlocked, additional means operatively connecting one shaft of each pair with said ejector, and means for returning the coin receiving member to its normal position.

4. A coin control for actuating an ejector of a vending machine comprising in combination, a plurality of pairs of spaced shafts, the inner opposed ends of each pair being notched, a coin receiving member of arcuate shape freely rotatable at its respective ends on the inner opposed ends of each pair of spaced shafts, a coin chute associated with each pair of shafts and having its discharge end disposed above the notched ends of each pair of spaced shafts, each pair of shafts together, means for manually rotating the shafts when the same are interlocked, a series of levers connected at their lower ends with said ejector, a cam on, one shaft of each pair cooperating with the upper ends of the respective levers whereby the ejector is operated when one pair of spaced shafts are interlocked and actuated, and means for returning the coin receiving member to its normal position.

5. A coin control for actuating an ejector of a vending machine comprising in combination, a plurality of pairs of spaced shafts the inner opposed ends of each pair being notched, a coin receiving member of arcuate shape freely rotatable at its respective ends on the inner opposed ends of each pair of spaced shafts, a coin chute associated with each pair of shafts and having its discharge end disposed above the notched ends of each pair of spaced shafts, each pair of spaced shafts being adapted to be interlocked independently by the insertion of a coin in the chute, said chute causing the coin to be disposed in the notched ends of each pair of shafts and received in the coin re ceiving member provided therefor, means for operatively connecting the pairs of shafts together, means for manually rotating the shafts when the same are interlocked, a pivoted frame associated with said ejector, said frame including a series of vertical arms, the upper ends thereof being curved, a cam on one shaft of each pair, said cams being adapted for cooperation with the upper curved ends of the respective arms of said frame whereby the ejector is operated when one pair of spaced shafts are interlocked and actuated, and means for returning the coin receiving member to its normal position.

6. A change making device of the class described comprising in combination, a pair of spaced shafts connected by means of a coin, a change holding magazine, an ejector associated with said magazine, means operable by said interlocked shafts for actuating said ejector, said means comprising a trip lever pivoted intermediate its ends, the upper end thereof being adapted for engagement with said ejector, and a cam on one of said shafts adapted to engage the lower end of the trip lever to actuate the same.

outer shafts, a pair of substantially semi circular coin receiving members freely r0- 'tatable on the ends of the spaced outer shafts and the stub shaft respectively, said shafts being interlocked when coins enter the notched ends of the outer shafts and the stub shaft and are disposed in the respective coin receiving members, and a weight associated with said stub shaft for returning and holding the same in its normal position when the coins have been discharged from said coin receiving members.

8. A coin control for an ejector actuating mechanism of a vending machine, comprising in combination, a plurality of pairs of spaced aligned shafts, means whereby each pair of shafts are interlocked by the insertion of a coin, means for operatively connecting one shaft of each pair, means for operating said last mentioned means, and additional means for returning the operatively connected shafts to their normal positions.

9. A coin control for an ejector actuating mechanism of a vending machine comprising in combination, a plurality of pairs of spaced aligned shafts, means whereby each pair of shafts are interlocked by the insertion of a coin, intermeshing gears on certain of the shafts on each pair whereby one shaft of each pair is operatively connected with the shaft of the adjacent pair, an operating handle associated with one of said last mentioned shafts, and means for returning the geared shaft-s to their normal positions.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signaturc.

WILLIAM F. DONATHAN. 

